The Marine Corps wants your help in reducing the energy used Corps-wide. While October is Energy Action Month, Marines can make simple changes year round to help save energy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alvin Parson/ Released)

October is Energy Action Month. If the Marine Corps reduces energy consumption at installations by as little as 10 percent, it could save $26 million. Your feedback can help during this month. We need active duty Marines to help out by taking this short survey. Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about Marine Corps energy.

Energy Supply Lines Put Marines at Risk.

Energy is one of the Marine Corps’ most vulnerable commodities. When Marines and Sailors transport fuel, they are vulnerable to attack. Take care of your fellow Marines – use only what you need.

Energy is Mission Critical.

From training and support on base to transport and mission effectiveness on the battlefield, energy supports our mission. Battlefield conditions, natural disasters, and our enemies can limit access to critical energy supplies. Remember: The less energy-dependent Marines are, the more agile and lethal our Corps will be.

Energy is Expensive.

The Marine Corps spent $262M on installation energy alone in FY13 – that doesn’t account for the fuel required for training efforts or deployed environments. Reducing installation energy use by 10 percent could save the Marine Corps $26M. That is almost the same amount of money it takes to fully execute five Integrated Training Exercises (ITXs), the crux of pre-deployment training. In a time when budgets continue to contract, using only what you need allows Marines to train longer, go further, and be more effective in executing our missions.

Small Steps Can Have Big Impacts.

Small changes in energy use can yield substantial results. Heating and cooling accounts for as much as one half of home energy use. Setting a thermostat back 10-15 degrees for 8 hours a day can save 15 percent of annual heating and cooling costs. Turning off lights at night, when leaving a room, or using natural lighting can also drive big savings.

October is Energy Action Month!

Energy Action Month is a federal program that encourages energy and water savings in federal facilities. Marines are encouraged to develop energy and water saving behaviors, and talk to their leadership, fellow Marines, and Energy Managers about energy use in their unit.